The barriers preventing the widespread introduction of electric vehicles are often not just technological ones, but can be due to regulations, user or potential user attitudes.

There are also potential barriers due to the new relationships along the value chain that these new technologies bring with them. These include the transition needed within the existing automotive supply chain. The future of existing suppliers less secure (e.g. valves, pistons, camshafts), while new suppliers are not necessarily used to working with automotive clients (batteries, traction motors, ICT). But they also go beyond the conventional automotive supply chain where links with energy suppliers are now increasingly valued, while the move towards connected and autonomous vehicles also creates the need for new relationships and partnerships.

All three participating Schools have a track record in various aspects of the EV value chain, including areas such as smart grids, energy demand scenarios for EVs, regulatory options and incentives, consumer barriers and incentives.

All three Schools are among the top ranking in their disciplines in the UK, the Schools of Psychology and Business in the top ten, while in global rankings, the Business School was recently ranked within the top 100 and the School of Psychology in the top 40.